Hello all I’m going to be going to Isle Royale this June and I’m wondering what reservations I need for the trip. I know about the barge that goes to and from houghton but other than that I’m having trouble finding info on campsites and trails. I’m planning on a 4 day backpacking trip and I’ll be starting at the north end so if anyone has any trail/ campsite recommendations please let me know

Not too sure on how to create a reservation.

I'm taking the Voyageur from Grand Portage ultimately to Rock Harbor. The ferry will stop for about a half hour in Windigo before departing again. Should I get off and check in with the ranger station in Windigo or just stay on the ferry and check in at Rock Harbor?

Just getting ready to book with the seaplane service for a summer trip, I got two of my friends into backpacking and want to take them to my favorite place. I took the ferry last time, but since we only have a long weekend Id rather have more time backpacking. I was wondering, do they give you a headset to talk with the pilot/other passengers or do they just provide ear protection for the ride. Thank you!

Hey! As the title suggests this will be my first time traveling to this NP. I am for sure departing at Hancock, MI; but, haven't quite decided between both arrival locations. Would love some insight on which location may provide the best things (hiking-wise) to do with the time I would have! I am choosing the earliest departure (8AM EDT) and latest return as well (5PM).

Thanks for any help!

Me and two buddies are heading up from Ohio and plan on doing 3,4 or 5 days to hike greenstone ridge. To make the most of money should we head to windigo first, hike greenstone, and then leave from rock harbor to houghton. Also is greenstone a good trail? Any other advice on alt trails, water, and campsites is appreciated. Thanks! Also, will the season pass bring us all in for 60$ for all days?

Can I change my return trip date once I am on the island?

My original plan was to circumnavigate the island in 10 days by doing about 10 miles a day. I can easily do 20 miles on other trails, so I am wondering if 10 miles per day is going to be too short and I'll end up being board.

I have another route laid out that I think I can do in six days. If I keep my 10 day reservation but finish my route early, can I change my return and hop on the next available ferry?

I'll be going in September when there aren't as many crowds and I'll be taking the Queen IV.

Looking at the weather forecast for the island. I’m taking the seaplane…am I fucked? I’m suppose to get on the island Wednesday and come back Saturday. What are my chances?

First flights went out yesterday! Anyone headed out soon? What’s your route ?

My friend and I are hoping to travel to Isle Royale on Friday June 18th and return on Sunday June 20th. All the ferries are booked--are there any locals who shuttle backpackers back and forth for under $300 round-trip? We are flexible with the starting location! Any information is appreciated.

Hypothetically, let's say we took the ferry from Copper Harbor to Isle Royale and then the other ferry from the island to Houghton on the return trip. What are our options for getting from Houghton to Copper Harbor (and our car)? Is Uber or Lyft an option?

I was planning on going in a couple weeks. Just got off the phone with Isle Royale Seaplanes and they are shutting down for the season on 9/25. I'm sure we are all familiar with the fact that ferries aren't running in 2020.

Does that mean it's not possible to get to the island after Friday? Does anyone have any leads on private boat charters or am I just out of luck? How do people get there in the Fall / Winter?

I am looking to take a ferry to rock harbor, take 3 days to hike across to windigo. What then is the best way to get back to rock harbor from there? Thanks!

I’ve got an Island trip planned. Leave Detroit 8/6 to Copper Harbor. Ferry home Thursday 6/11, overnight in Houghton 8/11, and home to Detroit 8/12. I’m happy to drive anyone to or from that matches my timeline. I have a pickup, so there is lots of room for gear and I have the big backseat so it’s comfy sized. I would be able to transport kayaks up to 14ft if needed. Gas prices are brutal, and I’m happy to help anyone, I also have an annual park pass for entry.

Hi all! I poked around a bit and didn't find an answer to my question so here goes.

I'm planning a first time trip for early August to hike the Greenstone Ridge and I'm wondering if I can take ferries for this hike. What's the best itinerary? I'm planning on driving up through Wisconsin to leave from Houghton or Copper Harbor. Anyone with experience doing this?

Related: Is it recommended to start from the west or east?

The boys and I (6 of us) are planning on hiking the greenstone trail in June from Rock Harbor to Wendigo, and I was thinking we could take the Queen IV ferry there and back. I understand that we'll have to get a water taxi at the end of our journey to get back to Rock Harbor and catch the ferry leaving the island, and I was wondering if any of you had experience doing this or have any tips. Any suggestions for going a different route would also be appreciated, like if taking a seaplane to wendigo and ferrying out of Rock Harbor would be worth the extra cost etc. Any input is welcome, thanks in advance!

I apologize in advance if I am asking a stupid question. My brother and I are planning a trip later in the year to get drysuit certified and dive Lake Superior. We thought it might also be cool to take a boat or seaplane to Isle Royale after we were done with all that, to both see the lake and hike around the island a bit. Since are rarely so far north we also wondered if we might be able to venture into Canada from there (provided COVID restrictions are loosened and they are acceptant of our vaccinations etc). Are there any such services? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.

I'm headed to the island in a couple weeks for a 4 night trip. I'm getting there by seaplane, so I will be buying my fuel on the island. What do people do with any extra fuel before leaving by seaplane?

Not referring to ferry or sea plane or anything like that, I’m looking at take Sea Hunter… but what’s the best way to get to Grand Portage from, say, Minneapolis? I’m flying into Minneapolis, is renting a car the only option?

I was planning on taking a ferry from Grand Portage to Windigo. Spend the day hiking the Huginnin loop. Leaving the next day for Rock Harbor and spend the day hiking around Rock Harbor. Then returning to Grand Portage the next day. Are there any ferries that could take me from Windigo to Rock Harbor?

I copied this directly from a post Jon Rector made on Facebook today. Please be mindful of the weather and flexible in your schedule.

Hi Folks,

Isle Royale, Hancock and Grand Marais have been experiencing an unusual string of foggy days this week. We currently have 37 people left on the island from yesterday, seven of those from Friday. It is foggy again this morning in Hancock and on the island.

We cant stress enough how important it is this year to bring two days of extra food with you along with a flexible and patient mindset.

Wondering what anyone’s experience is with showing up before the Queen sets sail and hoping to snag a seat from someone who cancels or no shows? Wanted to go up in a few weeks but there’s no seats left in the days we want to sail out. Can we call to be put on a cancellation list?

There’s been some questions on how stove fuel will be handled with the gift shops closed and only the seaplanes delivering passengers. You can NOT have fuel on the plane. In order to make sure it’s available upon your arrival, you should order directly from the lodge. I got this info from John R (seaplanes director of operations). Be sure to include your expected date of arrival.

Here’s the instructions on how to do so:

Rock Harbor Lodge is handling the pre-purchase of stove fuel. Please go to www.rockharborlodge.com and click on ‘Fuel for Seaplane Passengers’ in the upper right hand corner of the home page. Only iso-butane in 8 oz. canisters is available at a cost of $10.07 including tax. In the space labeled ‘Passenger/Guest information’ please use the same name as that is on the seaplane reservation even if another person’s credit card is used. In the ‘Additional Information” block please enter the location on the island where you will be arriving (Rock Harbor or Windigo).